This will save you endless times when you accidentally close your browser. Restore your entire session with this simple keyboard shortcut and let your colleagues know too – they’ll be thanking you before long, trust me!

#2 – Outsource your network and device management

Outsourcing isn’t what it used to be: it no longer means call centres in far-flung corners of the world or dealing with people who know nothing about your business. AAG’s network monitoring platform, powered by Autotask, deals with all the day-to-day incident fixes, patches and updates your network needs, leaving you free to…

#3 – Create a task list

You can do this in Microsoft Outlook, on a post-it note or in coloured pens if that’s what you respond to. Before you leave work each evening, write a list of the things you need to do the following day. Prioritise it first thing in the morning and enjoy the sense of satisfaction you get from ticking things off.

#4 - Toggle between open programs: Alt + Tab (Command + Tab on a Mac)

No longer will you have to faff around with your mouse when you want to switch between your browser, email and Word!

#5 – Save the best for last

You know that onerous, but hugely important task you’ve been putting off? Get it done as soon as you get into the office (and have a coffee in your hand). This approach not only saves you from dreading it for the entire day, but you’ll get a massive sense of relief once it’s done that will make the remaining hours far more enjoyable and productive!

#6 – Use the phone/your legs

Instant messengers and email are great, no doubt about it. But sometimes you can spend hours back-and-forth when a simple phone call or visit to a colleague’s desk would have got you an answer in seconds. It can be nice to have some genuine human interaction now and again (even we think that, and we work in IT).

#7 – You make the rules

Outlook Rules can be a lifesaver, particularly if you subscribe to the ‘Zero Inbox’ school of thought. You can create rules to place emails from a particular person or on a certain topic straight into a different folder, helping you keep track of things without becoming a slave to your inbox.

#8 – Use the Cloud

If there’s one thing that will save you crazy amounts of time and frustration, it’s using the Cloud to store your files. How many times have you emailed yourself a document you need on a different device? Or could really do with reading that whitepaper your boss sent you (that just happens to be on your desktop whilst you’re on the train)? The Cloud can eliminate all of those problems and more by storing your files safely and securely in one place. Look out for our cheat’s guide to understanding the Cloud which you can sign up for [here].

#9 – Calendar sharing

Using Microsoft Exchange Server or Office 365, planning meetings has never been so easy. By sharing your calendar with your colleagues and vice versa, scheduling conflicts can be a thing of the past (finally)!

#10 - The Golden Rule – Saying ‘NO’!

Don’t be just another yes man. If you’re asked to do something, first ask yourself: ‘do I have the time to do this? Will it bring my company closer to its goals?’ If it’s a no, then don’t do the work – it sounds like you have better things to be doing with your time.